| Apr 22, 2006 @ 1:21 PM |
Mental Health
|
|
HarleysB_WV
Posts: 860
|
I saw in another thread that someone recommended posting in this thread an explanation of bi-polar disorder. I noticed that no one had done so, so I have. There is extensive information on this site regarding bi-polar disorder.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/bipolar.cfm#bp7
Hopefully this will help people better understand this problem.
|
|
  |
|
| Apr 22, 2006 @ 1:42 PM |
Mental Health |
|
Heaveninawildflower
Posts: 15,333
|
Thanks Harley...we're hearing more and more about this, along with adult ADHD, etc. My own personal problem used to be depression, which I now know had to be linked to SAD, cuz as soon as I moved to the Valley of the Sun, it was gone!
|
| |
|
| Apr 22, 2006 @ 2:02 PM |
Mental Health
|
|
HarleysB_WV
Posts: 860
|
I wish that more people would educate themselves on what bi-polar REALLY is. It's bad enough the person with bi-polar feels all that they do without having the added guilt from other people who apparently have no clue.
Another mental health issue that should be addressed is Panic Disorder. It's another highly misunderstood disorder that people take a bad rap over. Here is a link for it:
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/anxiety.cfm#anx1
|
|
| |
|
| Apr 23, 2006 @ 1:39 AM |
Mental Health |
|
milady61
Posts: 14
|
Harley,
You are absolutely correct! People should educate themselves on mental health problems. The federal government (and for us our state government) has decided (in it's infinate wisdom) that mental health problems should be dealt with in the communities. In order to acheive this funding has been drastically cut. Our region had(note the past tense) one of the better mental health systems around and served alot of people. Now mental health services are being privatized and those who cannot afford it...which are often those who need it most...cannot get any help.
But the main reason people need to educate themselves is because mental health is Everywhere. It is in the schools (the child with ADD), it is in our churches (the old woman in the back with depression), it is in our neighborhood (the neighbor that has the perfectly manicured lawn, all the bushes cut to exactly the same size - can you say OCD?) (just my two cents)
|
| |
|
| May 13, 2006 @ 12:14 AM |
Mental Health
|
|
BlueRoze
Posts: 26
|
thanks Harley........ i was one of th ppl wondering about bipolar 
|
|
| |
|
| May 14, 2006 @ 1:53 AM |
Mental Health |
|
nah12
Posts: 3,973
|
Good going Harley...i have a g/f that is bi-polar and a great person that just has some difficult times some times.
As for mental illness of any kind, it's true lots of people really haven't a clue what it's like. My father was diagnosed with schizophrenia when i was about 14 and it was a hard road for all of us at times. He now has alhemizers and it's very sad to watch him after taking care of him for so many years. Some people are still very uneducated when it comes to the stereotyping of mental disease when they have never been around or tried to educate themselves about it.
|
| |
|
| Jun 21, 2006 @ 7:31 AM |
Mental Health
|
|
Hotshot_79
Posts: 63
|
 Harley, Glad to see you are trying to get the word out. Thanks again for the info on panic disorders. I hope my daughter will see the light and get help for it.
I too have been diagnosed with bi-polar. I have also been treating it for years. There is no cure, just treatment, just like cancer, diabetes...etc. I wish more people would take the time to educate themselves before judging others who SUFFER from it. It makes me so angry when people make hurtful comments when they know nothing about it.
EDUCATE yourselves, then you just may feel differently.
Those of us who have it, wish we didn't. All we can do is get treatment. I am so glad I went for help, otherwise I wouldn't be here today. When someone commits suicide, everyone asks WHY? Those that chose that route, don't always know why either, just that they can't stand being the way they are. They may be afraid of what people will think of them if they do seek help. So sad, I know how much my life has improved after getting treatment, and how those around me are better too.
Thanks again Harley, you are awesome! 
|
|
| |
|
| Jun 21, 2006 @ 12:13 PM |
Mental Health |
|
uab_5
Posts: 2,371
|
Outa curiousity...
When do any of you feel it's appropiate to disclose mental illness/ addiction to a potential date?
For me, I'm very bipolar and self-diagnosed alcoholic. I've adjeusted my daily schedule and life style to accompany theses medical problems.
I live with my father to ease the stress of recovery, and so I may re-educate myself into a field hopefully easier for me to work in. Likewise I keep fairly strict bed and waking times. I also try to avoid social situations that others are consuming alcohol.
I don't bear the physical scars that many bipolars carry from cutting, but anyone talking to me about my recent history or weekly schedule can deduce something is wrong.
Is it best to disclose the illness before meeting someone face to face, or let the disclosure come out naturally?
Thanks,
David
|
| |
|
| Jun 21, 2006 @ 6:40 PM |
Mental Health
|
|
Hotshot_79
Posts: 63
|
David,
It is impossible to answer that. It is different with everybody. It sounds like you are still working on getting your life together. You don't say, are you taking meds? Do you go to AA? Do you see a therepist? I have found I can't survive without the meds, (I have tried to wean myself off of them several times) and therepy is a huge help too, especially after the death of my husband. I am not an acoholic, lucky in that respect. I do have a sister that self medicates, just a matter of time before she hits bottom. But, you can't help anyone that doesn't admit there is a problem.
I am proud of the fact that I asked for help, so anyone I meet that doesn't see it that way, is not for me. I can't stress enough, EDUCATE, EDUCATE, EDUCATE. The site that Harley put up is a good one. There are tons of them out there, read all you can about it. Then you will have the knowledge you need when it is time to let that someone special know.
Good Luck to you,
Carol
|
|
| |
|
| Jun 22, 2006 @ 2:32 AM |
Mental Health |
|
HarleysB_WV
Posts: 860
|
Is it best to disclose the illness before meeting someone face to face, or let the disclosure come out naturally?
This is indeed a hard question to answer. You have to do what you think is best for YOU. Listen to that little niggling "voice" or "feeling" that you have. When it says that you need to let them know then that would be the time to do it. I usually approach the subject by bringing up the topic of mental illness and gradually leading into the exact illness's that I have. Don't beat yourself up over it though. When it is time to let a prospective partner know, you'll know it.
For me personally, I always find it more time effective to get it out in the open right up front. It just rips me to no end to invest so much of myself and my time and my life in starting a relationship with someone only to find out later that they really can't handle the situation or simply are too ignorant to educate themselves about it. It's different for every person who suffers with bi-polar disorder as well as panic disorder and depression.
Listen to your heart. That is the one part of your body that won't lie to you!! 
|
| |
|
| Jun 22, 2006 @ 9:08 AM |
Mental Health
|
|
uab_5
Posts: 2,371
|
Hell yeah, I'm on my meds and therapy.
I go to AA off and on. Even Bill W. said that AA has no monopoly on recovery. I haven't had a drink in over 22 months.
Back in late 2003, l lost my job and percieved I couldn't afford my meds. In turn I went on a 9 month worsening manic episode that culminated with a suicide attempt, a "charcoal milkshake", and a stay in a locked country club in Atlanta.
After my wife left me in a homeless shelter and my fac dog died, I did a rapid 180 and got morbidly depressed and suicidal. I spend another few weeks behind locked doors to get my meds readjusted.
What I found out about that experience was:
1. If I don't take care of my own health needs, no on else will.
2. The state typically doesn't care for the mentally ill running around unmedicated, so every state has programs to see they get their meds and therapy.
3. My welfare has to always be my number one priority. If I'm not taken care of, how can I support a wife, dog, child, mortgage, etc. This is the analogy of the oxygen masks on the airplane: parents put them on first, then put them on your child.
|
|
| |
|
| Jun 22, 2006 @ 10:48 AM |
Mental Health |
|
Hotshot_79
Posts: 63
|
 Good for you David! I went through something similar with my ex-husband. He got to the point where he didn't think he needed meds anymore. I have read many articles saying that men tend to do this more than women, (it hurts their ego, pride, whatever) My view on this is, it is much more admirable to seek and recieve treatment, and stick with the "treatment" as there is no cure. He brought it up recently when he came to visit our son. His other son from a previous marriage refuses to take meds and so they don't even speak. How sad as he has 3 children who miss out on spending time with Grandpa. As you can see, my family has it running rampid! That is one of the reasons I have educated myself so much. I read everything I can find on the subject. I had a breakdown when I was going through my divorce and spent 12 days in lock down, just months after my sister. We have a pretty sick sence of humor so we started calling the hospital "Our Suite"! Anytime someone would mention stress or anything close we would tell them that we have a suite at Charter and they could "check in" anytime. When I am acting silly, and someone tells me I am crazy I just say "Yes I am, but I take medication for it."  I have found a sence of humor works well to get the subject out and let people know they should educate themselves. I admit, I don't know a lot about alcoholism, (with the exception of having a father, sister and brother that are) But for you, WOO HOO   for going 22 months without a drink.
Keep up the good work,
Carol
|
| |
|
| Jun 22, 2006 @ 12:27 PM |
Mental Health
|
|
uab_5
Posts: 2,371
|
Thanks Carol,
I'm starting pre-nursing now with the goal of being a psych nurse. I like the structure and safety of the hospital so much that I want to make a career of it.
More importantly, I figure the more I learn and experience about mental illness and addiction, which is a specialized MI, the better equipped I will be to fight my own diseases. The AA 12th Step says that when only truly begin to heal when we step outside ourselves and help others so that we may see our own weaknesses and short comings in them and thus rectify ourselves.
The catch to it all is that I can't depend on the safety net of the psych ward without fear of loosing my license. Ditto, nurses tend to be highly intolerant of the mentally ill in their ranks, although I know several recovering addicts that are nurses.
On the otherhand, engineering is very intolerant of any weakness as well. I lost my last two engineering and technician jobs because of my bipolar. I know an environmental engineer who quit practicing because of her MS.
Also, have you ever tried telling an uncouth, belligerant, fifty-year old general contractor that you require him to make changes that will cost him two weeks and $200k? You have to appear to have 100% confidence in yourself or otherwise he'll verbally beat you into submission and error. It's possible but diificult to show that kind of resilence while fighting battles with yourself.
But...better the nut house than the funeral home. I'd take couting ceiling and floor tiles, remembering other patients' charts, and being asked if I "had a bowel movement" than the pine box any day.
David
|
|
| |
|
| Jun 22, 2006 @ 5:37 PM |
Mental Health |
|
Hotshot_79
Posts: 63
|
Oh David, see what I mean? A sence of humor goes a long way! Counting tiles in a nut house,
I am going to email you so we don't continue taking up Harley's space.
|
| |
|
| Jun 22, 2006 @ 9:39 PM |
Mental Health
|
|
HarleysB_WV
Posts: 860
|
Not just my space Carol!! It's for everyone. I wish more people would take the time to read these important threads. If they ever REALLY wanted to get inside the mind of a person who has a mental disability, this would be a perfect place to do it. I've found your's and David's posts very interesting and have enjoyed reading. I don't get time to post as often as I'd like, but sure do enjoy reading everyone's when I grab a few minutes!!! Please stay and share!!!!! 
|
|
| |
|
| Jun 23, 2006 @ 8:16 AM |
Mental Health |
|
uab_5
Posts: 2,371
|
Hey,
Lance Armstrong won seven Tour de Frances which means he's a rapid cycler.
Does that make him bipolar? 
BTW Harley I love the tat! I'll post mine when my tan goes away in October.
|
| |
|
| Jun 23, 2006 @ 9:27 PM |
Mental Health
|
|
Spirit76
Posts: 534
|
Thanks Harley...we're hearing more and more about this, along with adult ADHD, etc. My own personal problem used to be depression, which I now know had to be linked to SAD, cuz as soon as I moved to the Valley of the Sun, it was gone!
I'm only eight years from my retirement and I cannot wait to escape California. Arizona is running high on the list of great places to retire to for just that reason - I have SAD and it is NO fun indeed during the winters here. I use dawn simulators and lots of light exposure and melatonin to get through winter...
Spirit
|
|
| |
|
| Jun 24, 2006 @ 6:34 AM |
Mental Health |
|
HarleysB_WV
Posts: 860
|
BTW Harley I love the tat! I'll post mine when my tan goes away in October.
Thanks!! I really should post a better picture of it. That one was taken shortly after it was done. You can still see a little "irritation" from the needle around the edges. I designed that tattoo myself as a personal tribute to our Veterans. Please post yours and let me know so I can take a look!!
Spirit....... I loved living in AZ!!!! The kids and I still talk about moving back there one day. Hope everything goes well for you!!!!!
|
| |
|
| Jun 24, 2006 @ 7:05 AM |
Mental Health
|
|
Hotshot_79
Posts: 63
|
Thanks Harley, I wrote to David about some of my hopes and dreams. I just tried to copy and paste it, but it seems once again, this thing is smarter than I am.  
I agree with you, if more people would read and learn about this awful illness, instead of just shooting their mouth off about ONE more thing they know nothing about, it would be a much nicer world.
Sorry,  made me do it.
Spirit, I wish you luck. It sounds like you have educated yourself pretty well and do everything you can to help yourself. I think my daughter has something like that too. When she was here in Oct. she kept asking me what was wrong with the sky. (no sunshine) I told her it was just that time of year. She couldn't wait to get back to Fl. I just wish she would hurry up and get to a Dr. and get diag. by a professional. Moms can only do so much. I support her all I can, but she needs more. After her last trip up here, (first of this month) she finally let me take her to a Dr. up here and we were lucky we found one that understood what she was going through. (she had a panic attack when she got to the airport and they refused to let her get on the plane until the next day) She has flown up here about twice a year in the last 5 years, so it had nothing to do with flying. He gave her some meds to be able to get back home and they helped so much she has FINALLY admitted she needs to see a different Dr. I had told her, I have went through many of them until I found the "right" one that I felt comfortable with. I had been misdiagnosed several times. I am now on meds that make me feel "normal". I am so glad I finally found a place that will listen to me. I started going there after the death of my husband, as I knew being up here without family and friends' support I wouldn't be able to get through that alone. A month or so later, I was in such a state that I "checked" myself into the hospital. After staying the night, I decided that wasn't where I needed to be. After talking to the Dr. for nearly an hour he agreed with me, said it was just grief, and I needed to find some grief support groups. Not many here, and I am on the shy side and don't like crowds, so I kept putting it off and never did go to one. I could prob still get some good out of it, now that I can control my emotions better. I don't like to cry in front of strangers. After the support I have gotten here and finally making some friends up here, I just may seek one out.
Thank you ALL for your support. 
|
|
| |
|
| Aug 5, 2006 @ 1:59 AM |
Mental Health |
|
LatinButterfly
Posts: 687
|
I think also that if people didn't eat SO MUCH JUNK there would be far fewer mental disorders. Dietary deficiencies (or abuse) cause more damage than people ever suspect. When I was in my 20s I suffered unnecessarily with depression because I was hypoglycemic (and probably had an unstable thyroid already) and only began suspecting it when I had my son at 30. It still took 2 more years for me to get officially diagnosed by an endocrinologist and I had to take a 4-hour glucose tolerance test. When I changed my diet it made a WORLD of difference! Also, taking certain supplements can help a lot, that's why I decided that someday I would become a Holistic Nutritionist.
I have a little book written by Dr. Carl C. Pfeiffer (copyrighted in 1987) called "Nutrition and Mental Illness" that I recommend to anyone who suffers (or knows anyone who does) from any recurrent mental or emotional problem as it could be of some help to them. Maybe your public library has it or you could look it {email address removed}.
|
| |
|
|
|
|